Rep. of Ireland 1 - 1 Estonia

A journey that began on September 3^rd 2010 with a 1-0 victory over Armenia came to an end in typically understated fashion as the hosts put in another efficient performance to qualify for the country’s first European Championships in over twenty years. For Giovanni Trapattoni and his Irish team it was a case of job done and mission accomplished. 


In truth, the outcome of this tie was never going to be very consequential, but the manner of the performance would be seen as interesting forbearer of how Ireland operate when they have a freedom to express themselves without fear. The result was a clinical one, with Ireland starting the game attacking from the off with menace, and in numbers.

The first chance fell to Robbie Keane after only five minutes. Ireland’s record striker did well to hold off the challenge of Ragnar Klavan but Pavel Londak, Estonia’s replacement goalkeeper, smothered well.  Keane could have no excuses a minute later though when he scuppered a glorious chance from six yards out following a Stephen Hunt free kick on the edge of the Estonian box.

Keith Andrews and Glenn Whelan, for all the criticisms that persist about them, showed signs of why Trapattoni has kept faith in them for so long. The two have come a long way and bossed the middle for long phases limiting Estonia to only one shot on target in the opening half.

Ireland continued to use the long ball – as they have done all campaign - but used it more efficiently than we have seen before.  The makeshift centre back pairing of Rahn and Klavan never looked comfortable.

Indeed the opening goal came when the Estonian defence failed to head clear a Damien Duff corner on 31 minutes.  Kevin Doyle rose highest to head at goal.  Londak could only parry and Stephen Ward accepted graciously, hammering to the back of the net.

As the break approached, Estonia enjoyed more possession but created nothing in the way of a goal scoring opportunity. Down the other end, Doyle cut in for Keane in the box who turned but skewed his effort wide.

The pace of the game slowed considerably after the restart. Ireland continued to look assured in possession but for large phases failed to mirror that attacking threat they showed in the first 45 minutes.

Man of the match Glenn Whelan, the perennial destroyer in the middle of the park for Ireland, showed a new dimension to his game with some delicate touches and creative passes. He teed Stephen Ward up on 54 minutes but the full back was equally saved.

As the half wore on, the mood all around the stadium seemed to dull. It was in this context Estonia levelled when Shay Given, possibly blindsided by Sean St Ledger, let Konstantin Vassiljev’s long range effort slip under him.  Trap responded with a substitute – McGeady in for the largely anonymous Stephen Hunt.

And the winger had an immediate impact threading a perfectly weighted ball through for Keane in the Estonia box.  The striker’s shot was blocked by a combination of keeper and defender.  But the effort came against the run of play with chances at a premium and Estonia all the time getting more of a foothold on proceedings. Indeed the crowd of 51,151 had to wait nearly another ten minutes for Ireland’s next chance – a powerful header from Richard Dunne that was well held by Londak.

Substitute Simon Cox and Martin Vunk traded efforts at goal, but nothing that unduly worried respective goalkeeper.  On 76 minutes Aiden McGeady danced past Enar Jaager before firing cross goal but again the keeper was equal to it.

The last ten minutes stuttered out with neither side looking very menacing – the only exception being a last second headed effort by Kevin Doyle which sailed a yard wide.  After the final whistle Robbie Keane led the side for a well-earned lap of the pitch.

It has been a long journey and while it may not be to the football connoisseur’s liking, we’re finally there.  Back on September 3^rd, we would have asked for nothing more. Job done. Mission accomplished.

Republic of Ireland: Shay Given; Sean St Ledger, Stephen Ward, John O’Shea, Richard Dunne; Glenn Whelan, Stephen Hunt, Keith Andrews, Damien Duff (Keith Fahey, 79); Robbie Keane (Simon Cox, 68), Kevin Doyle

Subs not used: Keiran Westwood, Aiden McGeady, James McCarhty, Darren O’Dea, Jonathan Walters

Estonia: Pavel Londak; Ragnar Klavan, Enar Jaager Dmitri Kruglov (Sander Puri, 18), Taavi Rahn; Taijo Teniste Joel Lindpere (Tarmo Kink, 54), Martin Vunk Konstantin Vassiljev; Kaimar Saag, Vladimir Voskoboinikov (Ats Purje, 73)

Subs not used: Artur Kotenko, Alo Barengrub, Aleksandr Dmitrijev, Tihhon Sisov

Referee: Bjorn Kuipers (NED)

ExtraTime.ie Man of the Match: Glenn Whelan

Attendance: 51,151